My commitment when I began the PCT was to hike the trail as long and as far as my body and sense of humor would permit. Turns out that was 2.5 months, about mile 1,300 of the PCT, with 1,000 actual hiking miles. A few days ago, as I crossed the Feather river, I began to have the sickening feeling my feet were not going to allow me to continue. A sharp, radiating pain from the balls of my feet, stretching into my toes, was again appearing. This was part of a cycle that had developed over the last 6 weeks. I’d take a break, feel better, get back on the trail, bust out a 20 mile day, and the pain would start to return. This time, it was worse, and easy to predict what would happen next. When I took the last painful, plodding steps into Bucks Lake, I had a sinking feeling they were my last on the PCT.
Through the generosity of some amazing trail angels, I ended up in a condo in Santa Rosa, CA, receiving a house call from a doctor friend of the owners. Dr. Warnake (sp) is a general practitioner, but also runs marathons and is training for a triathlon. He grappled and twisted my feet and toes, asked some questions, and simply said “Your hike is over”. He went on to describe a condition known as Morton’s Neuroma. In technical terms, its when someone needs a more age appropriate hobby than long distance hiking. Just kidding. Its some sort of nerve condition brought on by repetitive abuse of the feet, and is actually your body trying to protect itself. To compound the issue, my foot growth from 12 to 14w added “growing pains” to my stretched and mangled ligaments, tendons, and foot tissues. Honestly, I don’t remember much of what he said after that.
I can walk around fine, the there is some numbness under the balls of my feet and toes, and some swelling, but it’s not debilitating. I’m more stunned than anything else. Everything was working so well. My legs were strong even with long days and steep hills. My gear was dialed in and functioning perfectly. I was excited for my first glimpses of Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. But alas…..
I’ll add a few more posts with pictures and videos, highs and lows, but for now, I’m home in Boulder City getting settled back into civilization.
If I ever see this Morton character on the street somewhere, I’m definitely gonna fight that guy.
~ Scarf
David and I send congratulations on your amazing accomplishment! Please don’t ever think you gave up too soon. We are bragging about you to friends around the country AND we are hoping for a book on this adventure!!
1000 miles is an amazing feat, congrats to you on your extraordinary accomplishment Kyle!! was great to see you healthy, safe and back home at the BC Damboree parade…cheers!!
Hey Kyle – we shared a table in Lone Pine with you where you were tucking into a huge plate of spare ribs. Amongst dinner topics covered was how as tourists to the US we were discovering the unwinding of America and Seneca’s writings on the brevity of life .
We kept an eye out for the PCT as we journée north into Oregon after talking with you. And managed to walk bits of pieces of it on day hikes around Crater Lake and Hat Creek.
Well done on your Great Walk, it’s all been practice for doing one of the European Camino’s sometime in the future !
Enjoy your downtime integrating what must be a highlight in your thus far life.
Go well and all the best from
Ronan & Christina
Wow Kyle, I cannot believe you hiked 1000 miles! You are amazing and an inspiration to us all! Looking forward to catching up with you and Jean–anytime is good for me! I want to hear some first hand stories and just have a good laugh! You absolutely have nothing to be disappointed about! I seriously cannot get over that you hiked from Mexico to the Feather River in N. Cal!! Love to you both!
Kyle, you are amazing my friend! I’m gonna miss the updates… loved them. I do have a question: can you share what your pack looked like… what did you carried with you? As well as where and how you slept?
Amazing accomplishment my friend!!!
Morton does deserve an ass kicking, and I’m sure you are disappointed. I hope you also feel proud! And I’m sure your fur babies and Jean Jean are HAPPY to have you home!! XO
So proud of your accomplishment. Looking forward to hearing it from you!!!
Howard
So proud of your accomplishment my friend!!
Howard
So proud of you. Such an accomplishment.
Love you.
See you soon.
What an achievement! I’m envious. 2.5 months on the trail, 1,000 hiking miles lands you in quite an elite group to be sure. Bravo my friend.
Thanks again to you and Jean for the play by play. Every time I saw the latest entry in my email inbox I would save it for later when I could savor it slowly, pulling up the photos on my big monitor to take in the beauty, and laugh out loud at your wit.
Cheers!
Scarf (Kyle) – I am a friend of Debe Fennell’s, who has followed your trek. If you find Morton, I want a piece of him, too. He has been hurting my left foot for several years now. Some days are much better than others! Glad you were able to get in 1,000 or so miles! Kim
Kyle congraulations on your hike i have been fowlling your progress and you have done a great job. It is great to know you and look forword to seeing you in lodge. Howard
As I told Jean, we e enjoyed following your journey. Thanks for the virtual hike. I know you’re disappointed, but enjoy the rest. We hope to see you both soon.